Running with the Pro Bull Riding Bulls

Hang on! It's going to be a wild ride! Tonight the Professional Bull Riders are saddling up for the main event at the Mesa County Fair. PBR will feature 40 riders who will try to outlast each other on their buckin bulls, but from what I’ve seen and heard, it's the bulls the riders should be most afraid of.

Today I was introduced to Grinder and Fighter, mature bulls ready for tonight’s event.

"They are going to be electric tonight, they are feeling good", said Garrett River, the owner of Grinder and Fighter.

Just two of the 40 bulls will be seeing red in tonight's professional bull riding competition, and they're ready to bully the riders around.

Most of us wouldn’t want to hop on a bull and ride, but there's a rare breed that still does, and these professional bull riders have been training for tonight.

"I think about what I need to do and what bull I got, and ride him in my mind a few times, and just hang on, hang on tight. that’s about it"

But while the riders are hoping to hold their own for 8 seconds, Fighter, Grinder, and their owner Garrett Rivers will be enjoying the spotlight and the comfort of a home audience

"I’m from Grand Junction, it's great to be a local and in these events, and play with the big boys", said River.

No, they're not Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, but these two pack an intimidating 1-2 punch, and are among the best bulls in this part of the country.

"We'll see 40 of the worlds best bull riders, this is absolutely where the best bull riders play in the PBR, and they will be matched up with 40 of the best bulls in this part of the country", said Pro Bull Announcer Matt West.

"There are some good bulls here, this is the cream of the crop, there are some wolves here and hopefully we can compete with them”, said River

It's safe to say the bulls are ready and as the saying goes, if you mess with the bull, prepare to get the horns.

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